Pregnant women are well aware that any addiction during pregnancy can be harmful to the child. In spite of this knowledge, many continue to smoke, to drink alcohol, to consume illicit drugs or to absorb medicines because these dependences are particularly strong. Tobacco, alcohol, cocaine and ecstasy represent the most dangerous substances as regards foetal damage. The period of pregnancy is the optimal moment to stop these addictions. It is therefore essential to raise awareness among the general public, policy makers, and physicians of the fact that addictions during pregnancy cause a disparity in terms of future health and life expectancy of the unborn child.